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January 2025
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Your Community
All the news from our MPs, Councillors, Clubs, Groups and Churches.
Fitness With Alan Clinch
Alan looks at strengthening your core, to help with... everything!
The Gala Garden
Sheila gives good advice on choosing trees for your garden.
Setting Your Goals
Grace is back, giving advice on setting and keeping your New Year resolutions.
Sudoku
Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!
Top Price For Your home
Some great advice on getting the best price when selling your home.
Willie's Wonky Computer
Willie looks at the rise in popularity of Bluesky as an alternative to X.
Porch Pirates
Don't let someone steal you delivered parcels from your doorstep.
Recipe 50
This month we have a fairly simple but tasty recipe for sausage and Gnocchi one-pot.
WELCOME
Welcome to the January edition of Gala Life. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
January is set to be a very busy month as we have LIVE music at the British Legion, MacArts and one not to be missed Queen Rhapsody at the Volunteer Hall.
This month, Sheila gives advice on suitable trees for your garden as we all do our bit to secure the tree population, Willie looks at Bluesky - the fastest growing site for chatter - it is taking over from X. Alan Clinch looks at the CORE in the Fitness Column. Simple movements that give you a strong basis for going on to bigger things. In the recipe this month we have gone hale and hearty with an easy one pot sausage dish. January is often a time of “looking forwards” and so we have an interesting feature on All year round Resolutions. Hopefully you will be able to keep going all year!
With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town including the 1953 Restaurant and Shanghai Banquet why not indulge yourself with lunch or dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere and taking part in all the great productions and events. There is so much to see and do in Gala, that it’s tough to fit it all in.
Have a great January and a fantastic 2025!
The Gala Garden
Our Gala Life Community
Please check with individual groups for the latest information.
Borders Recovery Group - Meet Fridays at the Focus Centre. Peer support group 3-5pm, Recovery Cafe 5-7pm. For more info contact community@bordersinrecovery.org or 07536455898. www.bordersinrecovery.org
Forget Me Not Café - at Wilkie Gardens, White Rose Place. Galashiels on the 1st Thursday of the month from 2.30pm until 4pm. This is a friendly supportive group for anyone affected by dementia, family and friends. We enjoy a cuppa, conversation activities and friendship. Free to attend and all welcome. This group is run in partnership with Opal Borders. For more information contact 01573 400324 or email Borders@alzscot.org
Selkirk Dementia Singing Café - takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm until 3.30pm at Selkirk Masonic Lodge, 32 Back Row. Selkirk. The group enjoys music, memories and singing for fun in a supportive environment. The group is free to attend and is welcome to anyone living with a dementia diagnosis as well as anyone who may have concerns about their memory and family / friends. For more information contact 01573 400324 or email Borders@alzscot.org
Al-Anon Family Groups - Every Wednesday at 7.30pm, Chaplaincy Centre at the Border General Hospital. Access is through the main entrance to the hospital and follow the pink zone on the ground floor until you see the sign for the Chaplaincy Centre. Many people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close to them. Find understanding, help and support in Al-Anon Family Groups. For further information call 07709948205 or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk for meetings in Selkirk and Hawick.
Scottish Borders Versus Arthritis Support Group - meet online first Saturday of each month from 11am until 12.30pm. With a variety of interesting speakers and coffee and catch-up sessions, anyone who is living with arthritis or has an interest is very welcome. For more information, please, email info@scottishbordersversusarthritis.org
Parkinson's Support Group - held on the last Monday of every month at the Chaplaincy Centre at the B.G.H. from 2pm to 4pm. The aim of the group is to offer support and company to anybody including families and carers who are affected by Parkinson's. We take part in outings quizzes and other activities suggested by the participants, and a cuppa and biscuits provided. If you require any more information or just want a chat please call Anne on 07922093197 anne chisholm@euro.agri.net
Parkinson's Support Group - Anyone with Parkinson's, why not join us at Wetherspoons, Galashiels for a friendly cuppa and chat. We are an addition to Borders Parkinson's support Chaplaincy group. You can join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 11am till 1pm and every 3rd Wednesday night from 6.30pm. For any further information please call Fran on 07790750115 or Harry on 07778278711
Bereavement Support Group (BSG) – Meet every Monday 10am – 12 noon at Quins Restaurant in Galashiels. Get mutual support from people in the same situation. Friendly, understanding and very confidential group.
‘Heart for Art’ - Trinity Church Hall, High St, Galashiels every Wednesday afternoon, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. This is a Church of Scotland project which seeks to bring creativity and connection to those living with dementia in Scotland. Come along to our free art classes (with a carer if you wish) where staff of experienced professional artists and volunteers have enhanced dementia training. For more information look on facebook @CrossReachHeartForArt or email: heartfor.art@crossreach.org.uk
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Borders Online Bipolar Support Group: Open to anyone living with bipolar, including friends/ family/carers. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm. To get the meeting link, please email us at info@bipolarscotland.org.uk or submit a short form on our website: https://bipolarscotland.org.uk/support-groups
Healing Support - First Saturday of the month 1-4 pm at the Chaplaincy Centre BGH. Offers individual healing treatments, no appointments necessary, free of charge, however, any donations are gratefully received. For further information call 07724 771081 or visit www. bordershealinggroup.co.uk
Royal Voluntary Service Social Centres - at Langlee Community Centre on a Monday and Wednesday between 10:00 - 14:00 for lonely and isolated 65+ to connect with old and new friends. Tuesday and Friday at Tweedbank Community centre for LD adults 50+ to reduce their loneliness and reduce their social isolation too. For more information call us on 01896 754 481.
Gala Waterways Group - The Group usually meets at 10.00am until noon on the first Saturday of each month and typically prunes trees, clears undergrowth and removes rubbish along the Gala Water and Mill Lade in Galashiels. For more information contact galawaterways@gmail.com or 07763 850087 www.facebook.com/galawg/
Gala Policies Group - Always looking for new volunteers to join us in our litter-picking efforts in the Policies. The monthly litter pick is held on the last Saturday of each month (Feb to Nov) - meeting 10am at the small car park by the swimming pool. Bags and pickers provided - own gloves are recommended. We're on Facebook so join us, please, as we're determined to make sure this lovely woodland is preserved as a great 'green' town asset.
Gala Squash and Racketball Club - Monday night 7pm - late: Club Night at Gala Squash Club, turn up and have a hit. £2 for members and £4 for Non-Members. Every Thursday 7pm-8.30pm is Ladies Night at Gala Squash Club - Turn up and have a hit about and a laugh, all ladies welcome.
Gala Windbags - We are a well established charitable group affiliated to Chest, Heart and Stroke, Scotland. We meet every Thursday from 1.30 to 3.30pm for gentle exercise, a chat and a tea/ coffee in the Lucy Sanderson Hall, Galashiels. Contact Wendy Lawson on 07563 761788 for further details.
Gentle Exercise Class for Older Adults - Langlee Community Centre - £3 per class. 10.30-11.15am every Wednesday - contact 07713357450 to book.
Yoga - Weekly chair yoga classes are held in the Chaplaincy Centre of the Borders General Hospital on Fridays at 3 - 4pm. These will suit those with less mobility. Most of the session will be seated on chairs with breath awareness and gentle stretching, a little standing and a seated relaxation. Details from kathmcdonald20@gmail.com
Langlee Badminton Club - Thursdays, 5.15pm-7pm in the main hall at Langlee Community Centre, Marigold Drive, Galashiels, £2 per session. Under-16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian. We're a friendly group who get together once a week to play badminton, all year round. Beginners welcome, racquets and shuttles provided. Call Kevin Janiak on 07825 269667 for more information. Eildon Ramblers - If you enjoy walking you’ll enjoy walking with the Eildon Ramblers. We meet weekly on either a Saturday or a Sunday at 10.00am at various locations in the Borders. To see details of upcoming walks visit www.eildonramblers.org.uk or for general information please email eildon.ramblers@gmail.com or phone 07877 159126. Our motto is friendship, fitness, fun and fresh air.
Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club - We enjoy walks of between 10 and 15 miles in the hills throughout the Borders. The club meets on alternate Sundays throughout the year starting at 10.00 am. For further information please visit www.borderhillwalkers.wordpress.com or phone 01896 823172
Reiver Pétanque - meets near The Waterwheel Tea Room, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, TD7 5LU. Regular play days Wednesday and Sunday afternoons 1pm-4pm. (2pm start in summer months). Days may vary depending on weather. At other times anyone can play with their own equipment. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for any league or other inter-club matches. Beginners of all ages are very welcome and coaching is available. The area is accessible for wheelchair users. Come along, try a new and growing sport and enjoy good company in a beautiful location. More information available from Peter (07895 275669) or Ron (07986 644661).
Lindean Carpet Bowling Club - Carpet bowling has started again for the season in Lindean Village Hall. Wednesdays at 7.30pm. We welcome back members old and new. Experienced bowlers will be on hand to give tuition to those who haven’t played before. The game is suitable for all ages, we supply the bowls so all you have to do is bring yourselves. Why not come along to our friendly club and try something just a bit different? Only £1 per night for adults, kids £0.50p, refreshments available at the break. Phone Neil on 01896755316 for further details.
Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football Club - 3G Arena, Netherdale Road, TD1 3HE. A game of football for those over the age of 50, where players walk and don’t run, with other rules adjusted to suit older players and avoid injuries. All men and women in 50+ age group welcome! Sessions are: Mondays and Thursdays 2:00 to 3:30pm, Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:00pm, Membership is £2.50 per month. Games are £2.00 per session. Football boots required. Contact: gordon.smith@gfrfc.co.uk
Gala Harriers Joggers - meet every Thursday at Plumbcentre car park in Tweedbank at 6.15pm. All abilities and fitness levels are welcome to our friendly social running groups, further information available from Charlotte 07799112593 or Anne 07870556142
Tweed Canoe Club - Pool sessions for beginners on Tuesday evenings at Selkirk swimming pool. All you need is swimming kit and a towel. Experienced paddlers also welcome. Contact tweedcanoeclub@gmail.com for more information.
261 Club Scottish Borders - We meet at Gibson Park in Melrose, on Monday mornings at 9.30am, a community of women running for health and wellbeing, friendship and fun. For further details contact us; email: ScottishBorders@261ClubUK.co.uk web: www.261clubuk.co.uk Facebook: @261clubscottishborders
Abbotsford Nature and Natter Walking Group - we are a gentle walking group which encourages participants to get some gentle exercise with a stroll and natter around the beautiful Abbotsford estate, whilst taking in the flora and fauna. The walk moves at everyone’s walking ability. Dog’s are welcome however must always remain on a leash. Afterwards we will pop into the Ochiltree Café for tea / coffee and blether. This is a group for people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. The group started on Thursday 5th December 2024 and will run on the first Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm meeting in the car park.
One Acchord Ladies A Cappella Chorus - Free Learn to Harmonise 6 week course at Bowden Hall, Main Street, Bowden TD6 0SS. Ladies if you love to sing come along, no auditions needed. We welcome everyone who wants to join us. Starting Wednesday the 5th February 2025 - Saturday 15th March 2025. Rehearsal times: Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.30pm, Saturdays 1pm - 4pm. One Saturday per month. Contact us on 07710699619 or visit our website,www.oneacchord.co.uk We are also on Facebook.
Gala Water Singers - 7pm - 9pm in The Station House, Stow. All are welcome - no rehearsal just come along and join in.
The Eildon Singers - We are a mixed voice choir of some 40 members from all over the central Borders. We sing mainly classical works, with some lighter pieces. Our rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7.15 to 9.00pm in the Corn Exchange, Market Square, Melrose. Our new term starts on Wednesday 8th January, when we look forward to working with our new conductor, Jim Letham preparing music for our concert in May. New singers are always welcome (no auditions). If you would like more information, please contact our secretary or musical director - details may be found at www.eildonsingers.info
The Galashiels Town Band - Mondays - Gala Beginners Band 5.00 - 5.45pm, Tuesdays - Gala Youth Band 6.00 - 7.00pm, Gala Senior Town Band 7.00 - 8.45pm. These take place at the Galashiels Town Band Hall, 6a Roxburgh Street, Galashiels. Open to experienced, inexperienced and beginners of all ages. Instruments can be supplied, so go give it a try. For more information please contact info@ galatownband.org.uk or by calling Nichola Broatch on 07856266230
Galashiels Clef Club. Our next meeting of the season is Sunday 9th February at 3.00pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall in Tweed Terrace. We offer a friendly welcome to everyone who can play an instrument or sing to any standard and they are free to choose any piece of music to entertain their fellow members. The range of music is wide and includes all styles of classical music, along with folksongs and songs from the shows, excursions into jazz, and members' own compositions. Please contact our secretary jdavidwood118@gmail.com about visiting or joining. Our website is https://clefclub.co.uk for more information.
Rolling Hills Folk Club - Friday January 17th 2025 - Venue: Darnick Village Hall, TD6 9AH with disabled access through side door. Singers and musicians night. Doors open 7.30 for 8pm start. BYOB. All ages welcome. £2 entry. Phone 07986 644661 for more information. Find us on Facebook and at our website (www.rollinghillsfolkclub.org.uk).
Galashiels Studio Club - The Club is for artists and people who enjoy art. We meet weekly over the winter in Old Gala House, on Thursdays at 7.30pm for about 2 hours and have a varied programme of talks or demonstrations by professional artists and workshops some led by club members. For more information see our Facebook site or phone 07958 241798. The Club is open to all levels of artists and new members and visitors are welcome.
Scottish Country Dance Classes - St Paul’s Church Hall, Scott Crescent - September till December then January to end March. 7-9pm. All welcome, newcomers and beginners. Contact Lyn on 07890432383 or Marion on 01896574046. Gattonside Village Hall, 7.30pm, weekly until March with a short break in December. Contact Bill 07443529068. You do not need a partner or wear tartan or be Scottish - comfortable clothes and soft shoes are all you require.
Dance Class - Circle Dancing is suitable for just about everyone. We use simple steps dancing to music from around the world. A mix of gentle, flowing, fun, upbeat. No previous experience necessary. A great way to exercise and meet new friends in a relaxed friendly group. Every Tuesday 2-4pm at The Focus Centre, Livingstone Place, Galashiels TD1 1DQ. £5. Contact Kate for further information 07523 466657.
Gala Chess Club - meeting every Tuesday evening at Waverley Bowling Club, Galashiels between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. All levels welcome. Facebook - Galashiels Chess Club.macart
Borders Family History Society - at 52 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DP. Borders Family History Society would like to thank our many visitors and members for their continued support throughout the year. Our research and archive rooms will be closed from Thursday 12th December and reopen on Tuesday 4th March 2025. However, we will still be available on an appointment only basis; please contact us through email to info@bordersfhs.org.uk or research@bordersfhs.org.uk
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FITNESS
with Alan Clinch
Core Exercises to Improve… Everything
It’s not uncommon to hear people talking about developing core strength, but why is it important? Core strength helps to encourage body stability and mobility, so the target is to develop the core and spinal muscles, and then progress to movement.
This article looks at some basic exercises concentrating on stability. If you can, start with a target of 20 seconds for each exercise (bear in mind that this is likely to be quite difficult, so less is fine). Over a period of weeks, aim to slowly increase this. Don’t try too hard initially – one set will do, but look to build up to 30 seconds and two sets.
The hip bridge - lie on the back, place feet hipdistance apart. Keep arms by the sides with palms facing the floor. Lift the hips upward to feel the contraction into the hamstrings (back of your thighs), gluteals (bottom) and lower back. Hold as suggested above and slowly release back to the floor. To make it harder, try lifting a foot off the floor.
Activate and brace the core (it’s important to ensure that the spine doesn’t arch). Lie on your back and
bend the knees 90°. While keeping one knee high, lower the other leg to tap the floor. Alternate the leg movements while concentrating on keeping the core stable and the back flat to the floor.
Core Bracing: This helps to stabilise your trunk during all of the exercises. Stand tall, feet hipdistance apart, arms by the sides with palms facing forward. Contract the abdominal muscles for 10 seconds, but continue to breathe deeply. Get used to how this feels before you try the exercises. Progress this by bracing the core and slowly lifting one leg at a time to 90° in front of the body. Try to only move the hip joint, and not the torso. The slower the movement, the more effective the exercise. Start on all-fours, hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-distance apart. Brace the core (see above) and extend the right leg behind you, foot level with the hip. Next, extend the left arm forward with the thumb facing upward, hand level with the shoulder. Hold, and repeat on the opposite side (times as suggested above).
The plank - the position can be as in the picture left (like a press up but held stationary), hands in
the position indicated or in fists (better for the wrists). It can also be done as in the picture right with the elbows on the floor and the forearms out in front. Resist the temptation to look up – the spine should be in line.
Usually referred to as a side plank - this is a quite difficult exercise, so should only be tried when you’re quite proficient at all of the others. Lie on the right side and place the right forearm on the floor. Bend the right knee to 90° and lift the hips off the ground. Reach the left arm above the shoulder, with the palm facing forward. Hold and repeat on the other side.
Finally, and as always, if you don’t normally exercise, haven’t exercised for a while, or have any medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your Doctor to ensure it’s safe to increase your activity levels. If you’re unsure of any of the suggestions above, get some advice from a qualified gym instructor or personal trainer.
The Trimontium Museum, Melrose - We will be closed until mid-February. Online Shop available. www.trimontium.co.uk
Galashiels & District Probus Club - We provide regular meetings for retired and semi-retired professional and businessmen and women to enjoy the company of like-minded people who appreciate the camaraderie of being part of the Club. We meet fortnightly from September to May on Thursday mornings at the Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose and after tea or coffee we enjoy a wide variety of interesting talks by guest speakers. We are always open to welcoming new members and if you are interested in joining please contact Freddie Field, freddieshanghai@ me.com for more information.
Rotary Club of Galashiels and District - Join us to make a difference locally and globally. If your resolution for 2025 is to be more involved in your local community then joining us can help you achieve that. We will be allocating the monies raised over December to local good causes and starting a new environmental focus. We meet every Tuesday to hear visiting speakers from local organisations and plan our future activities.You can follow us on our Facebook page. If you want details of how to help us with our projects or to become a member call Club Secretary Rae Hastings 01896 75292
Focus Point Roleplaying Society - Fortnightly, recurring Pathfinder Society and Tabletop Roleplaying, 5pm to 10pm Thursday nights at Focus Community Centre, Livingstone Place, Galashiels. Playing Pathfinder 2e campaigns, oneshots and society scenarios. Admission is £6 on the door to pay towards renting the space, food, drinks, books, and stationary materials. Contact Seán 07412400949, AScotWithScotch@gmail.com for more details. https://startplaying.games/gm/ascotwithscotch
Galashiels Camera Club - We meet almost every Wednesday at The Red Room, Langlee Community centre, Galashiels. If you are interested in photography visit our website www.galacameraclub.co.uk Professionals, enthusiasts and beginners are all welcome.
Borders Philatelic Society - We welcome new members who have an interest in Postal History, Stamps or Postcards at any level from all across the Borders. We are a small friendly club meeting fortnightly on Monday nights, 7.30 until 9pm in the Church Hall, Old Parish & St. Pauls in Scott Crescent Galashiels. Please contact John Brown on 01721 723759 or Email him at tweedavenue@ gmail.com for further information, or just turn up to meet like minded souls! The 2025 dates are:February 3 & 17, March 3 & 17 & 31.
The Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association - The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th January 2025 at 7:30pm in Marmions @ the Wynd, off Buccleuch Street, Melrose - Vicki Masters will be speaking on 'Blending Fact With Fiction in Historical Fiction.' All welcome. Free to Members, £5 to visitors.
The Three Brethren u3a, Galashiels - Learn, Laugh, Live with u3a in 2024. Faster than LightJourney to the Stars. Three Brethren U3A next meets on Monday 20th January at 2pm - 3.30pm for its Social Afternoon at the Galashiels Rugby Club, Netherdale. Gordon McKay will be revealing more fascinating facts about outer space in his presentation 'Faster than Light - Journey to the Stars'. You are invited to hop on board! Please join us on our intergalactic adventure! You will be so welcome. Entry cost £2 - includes tea/coffee & biccies. For details of membership, future meetings and the varied and interesting groups we run, see www.u3asites.org.uk/three-brethren
The Gala Garden January
There are a lot of trees in the world but in some places they are being cut down faster and faster. Along with plastic in the oceans and air pollution, deforestation is only making things worse. If you are going to plant a tree in your garden as part of your response to climate change then here is some help to find a good one.
There is no point putting in a forest tree unless you have acres, so large oaks, beech trees and field maples are not for the back garden. The longest boundary in your garden will be a guide to the suitable size of the tree.
If the longest side is about 25 to 30 feet then choose a small tree like a multi-stem birch or a large Japanese maple like Acer palmatum atropurpureum or A Osakazuki, all of which grow to about 15 feet. Slightly taller at about 20 feet is Amelanchier Ballerina – a good year round choice. Fruit trees are excellent choices because the rootstock determines the height.
A medium garden has a boundary between 40 and 50 feet long. Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a beautiful specimen tree; its leaves turn butter yellow in the autumn and smell of burnt sugar.
Another good specimen tree is a multi-stemmed Betula jacquemontii with snow white bark; being multi-stemmed limits growth to about 35 feet. You could also choose any hawthorn or rowan or small holly like Ilex J C van Tohl which is self-fertile.
In a large garden with a 100 foot long boundary you can plant a big tree but place it sympathetically if
your neighbours also enjoy the view.
A copper beech or a pin oak (Quercus palustris) will suit that scale but never forget how wide they are. A tree is permanent and should be given the right amount of space to grow into. Imagine it in ten years and don’t plant it where it will block the driveway or overhang the house or push the wall over.
Conifers terrify people but some very graceful ones should be considered for their structure and year-round presence. An elegant small conifer, especially for a courtyard, is Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula which makes a silver blue arch about 10 feet high.
For medium gardens try a Cryptomeria Japonica Elegans - a golden pillar to about 26 feet, or Abies Koreana, with tiers of dark green branches, decorated with big purple cones. In a large garden Picea Breweriana will slowly make 50 foot as will Pinus Wallichiana.
A six to eight foot tree in a 10 litre pot is a good size. Bare root deciduous trees can be planted in frost-free conditions up to bud break. Container trees are best planted in mid-spring. Trees need well-drained soil, good light and shelter from cold wind. Stake single-stemmed trees to windward and don’t let them dry out for the first two or three summers.
Sheila Drummond
John Lamont MP - Conservative
I hope you all managed to get a little bit of a break over the Christmas and New Year period. At the start of a new year, I've been thinking about what I want to focus on delivering in 2025 and what my priorities are for the Scottish Borders.
Firstly, I will campaign to reduce the level of taxation on workers and businesses. Both the SNP and Labour governments have raised bills on working people and small enterprises. Scotland is the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom because of the SNP's decisions and, across the UK, taxes are also rising. Labour's National Insurance hike has done huge damage to small businesses and the Labour's Farm Tax is forcing many people in the Borders to rethink plans to pass on the family farms to the next generation.
I believe lower taxes are essential to create jobs, encourage businesses to expand and innovate, grow our economy, and in turn increase funding for public services like schools and hospitals. That's why one of my top priorities in 2025 is to reduce bills on workers and businesses.
Secondly, I believe more investment in Borders infrastructure is an absolute necessity. The SNP government at Holyrood has become very anti-driver in its outlook and hasn't improved roads anywhere near enough. That must change so that motorists have good, safe roads to use to get to work, visit friends and family, and go about their everyday lives.
I also believe it's vital that our public transport networks receive the necessary investment to improve. Our railway and bus services could be much stronger. I'll keep pushing the SNP and Labour governments to deliver more funding to projects like the Borders Railway, dualling the A1 and improving the A7 and A68.
My third top priority for 2025 is to ensure our NHS receives the funding it needs to bring down waiting lists. I will also continue to campaign relentlessly to keep community hospitals open and ensure no more GP closures.
Throughout 2025, I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability in the constituency and at Westminster. Should you require any help, please don't hesitate to contact my office and I will be glad to assist you however I can.
Christine Grahame MSP - SNP
Christmas and the festive season can be a lovely time of the year when we hopefully value family and friends and I wish that for everyone. However, it can also be a time of great stress when relationships already in difficulty may reach breaking point. The result, and I knew this even from my days as a divorce lawyer, is an increase in divorces and broken partnerships. It also unfortunately means an increase is domestic abuse. This can take many forms, physical, emotional, and economic. Sometimes it starts seemingly innocently: praising the way a person dresses, but progresses inch by inch to aggressive control, even to taking over a mobile phone or a bank account.
I was therefore pleased to speak to Women’s Aid at their recent stall in Parliament to discuss how I as a politician could help. That is why in this column I am asking (mainly but not solely) women to consider whether there are red warning lights in their relationship which would indicate a controlling relationship. Certainly, they should not endure abuse in any shape or form. Yes, if you have children it is complex but not a complexity that cannot be overcome. Women’s Aid has heard and seen it all and can be contacted easily. Their website is simple to navigate. You need not call, you can text. Your age is not relevant, teenagers, even children can contact them.
That said, thankfully for most of us Christmas and into the New Year is a time to cherish, and to reflect
on those no longer with us, and on the year ahead. That is what I intend to do with my sons and families in London and Nova Scotia and find more time for my friends.
My best wishes, Christine.
Euan Jardine Councillor - Gala & District, Conservative
I attended the official switch-on of the Galashiels Christmas lights on Saturday evening, and it was a lovely night with many families in attendance, even Santa made an appearance! The event is run by the community council, which is made up entirely of volunteers, and all the funding is sourced by the community council through various avenues, from quizzes to the National Lottery.
There is almost half a year of work that goes into the switch-on event, and the biggest issue is usually finding volunteers to help set up the lights and electricians to assist with the wiring and technical aspects of it all. Of course, there’s also the funding required to put on a large display. Given that Galashiels is a large town centre compared to others, it can sometimes feel like there aren’t many lights, but the effort behind the display is monumental.
I want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life it wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication. Although I am not a member of the community council, I hope they won’t be offended if I use this column to ask people to come forward and assist to make sure we can continue to bring Christmas spirit to the town.
If you have skills in setting up lights, electrical work, or simply an extra pair of hands, please reach out to the community council they would be grateful for any help! Every penny raised through quizzes, the National Lottery, and other sources play a crucial role in creating the festive magic we all enjoy. Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
I’ll leave my next column to talk about plans for the New Year, but I just want to say well done to the Gala BID team, who secured the Business Improvement District vote. This will go a long way towards making a big difference in the town, ensuring consistent funding for improvements in the town centre. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone—I really hope you have a fantastic time!
Councillor Fay Sinclair - SNP Galashiels & District
What a busy year 2024 has been!
Some of the things I’ve been up to in the past year include speaking at SBC in favour of free university tuition and regional energy pricing, gaining cross-party support for LGBT+ education, highlighting the use of “swift bricks” to support wild birds, opposing the UK Government’s winter fuel payment cut and employer national insurance hike, and raising issues around postal ballots for the general election (oh, and we squeezed in a Westminster election campaign too!).
Locally, I led a project to deliver a memorial stone for Robert Coltart at his grave in Eastlands cemetery, arranged new picnic benches for the public park, have contributed to numerous community council, parent council, town team and other community meetings, and actioned casework for communities and individual constituents.
I hope that over my time as a councillor here I’ve demonstrated my dedication and diligence as a representative of the area.
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This brings me to a related personal note; early in the new year my party will begin the section process for our candidates for the Holyrood 2026 election and I intend to put myself forward for the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency.
I would offer a fresh voice for parliament, with energy, drive and passion backed by a decade of experience as an elected member in local government and two years working across the whole constituency with the current MSP, Christine Grahame.
I know I have the skills, vision and determination to make a difference for local people.
My motivation is very simple, to make Scotland the best place it can before my children to grow up in and for all who live here. As you’d expect, I believe that would be best done with the full powers of an independent country, and I’ll campaign for that with vigour while working to improve the lives of locals right now.
Neil Mackinnon Councillor - Gala & District, SGP
It was very disappointing to find out that the UK government has not yet committed the promised £5 million funding towards the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway south to Hawick and onto Carlisle. This development is vital for the future prosperity of the Borders and will improve the connectivity of our region.
This failure of the UK government to match the funding pledged by the Scottish Government shows once again the government in Westminster has priorities that do not always align with those of the people of Scotland.
This festive season thousands of families across Scotland are struggling to choose between heating and eating this winter due to 14 years of Tory economic mismanagement and a new wave of ghastly austerity under Labour. The election of a new government in Westminster earlier this year promised a change to fourteen years of Tory austerity but instead, we have seen more of the same from Labour, with no real change being effected so far.
If this failure continues from Labour then surely it will be evident that the Westminster government has failed the people of Scotland and that the only way for us to live in a progressive prosperous country is for Scotland to finally become Independent and take control of its own destiny?
Citizens Advice Bureau
If you are worried about energy bills and the cost of living this winter, the Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau is here to help.
Continued high living costs and months of unaffordable energy bills mean many of us are worried about managing energy payments again this winter. Sadly, too many of us are switching off the heating, turning to credit to cover essential livings costs, or feeling like there is no solution to unmanageable bills.
But Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau is here for you with free, impartial and confidential advice. One of our specialist advisers will be able to talk to you face-to-face, go through your situation and work out the next steps. They will be able to help communicate with your energy supplier, set up a manageable repayment plan or find out if you are eligible for any grants or discounts.
We are here for you with free, impartial and confidential advice.
Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau
Closed Tuesday 24th December - Re-open Tuesday January 7th
111 High Street, Galashiels RD1 1RZ. Call 01896 753889.
Happy New Year to all members, friends and followers!
As rehearsals for ‘Shrek The Musical’ resume, we have only 8 weeks until opening night on the 3rd March. While the cast get back into rehearsals, perfecting lines, moves, and choreography, the excitement mounts and everyone is fully focused on delivering the best performance possible for our ever-supportive audience, determined to give them the great evening of entertainment they deserve. It is the time when all the other elements essential to a successful production are also brought together and finalised - stage crew, costumes, lighting, sound, orchestra, props, make-up, front of house - the list is endless but all play their part in a successful production. From the production team to back stage crew, principal cast to chorus members, adult members to our fabulous children - everyone is aiming to make Shrek the best it can be for our paying audience.
All this however is to no avail without you - our audience - buying tickets and coming along to support us.
There are various ways you can secure your tickets over the coming weeks. Patrons of GAOS get the first opportunity to book their tickets when booking opens on 11th February. (You can become a patron by emailing info@gaosmusicaltheatre.co.uk).
Or you can book through a Society member when members booking opens. There is another opportunity at our coffee morning on Saturday 15th February for the general public to secure their tickets. And for the first time, online booking will be available from Monday 17th February onwards. All the details you need can be found on our Shrek poster which you will find in the February edition so look out for that and don’t delay to get yours whichever method suits you best. This is a fun family show for adults and children alike so make sure you don’t miss out!
Galashiels Inner Wheel Club
Well the festive season is past and Winter very much still with us. We had lots of fun events in November & December including a dance, a dinner, stall at the Rotary Christmas market and even a panto visit and our annual Soup & Pud lunch on 11th January kicks off another social gathering while raising funds for charity. We'd love as many folk as possible to come along and bring your friends and family for a filling hearty lunch, chat and raffle.
The Gala Inner Wheel meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7pm from September to June in Cafe recharge, Island St, Gala, with social meet ups and events year round. We visit gardens, the cinema, shows and members are always keen for any excuse for a get together. Feeling lonely, bored or just lacking things to fill your day? Why not come along and see if you enjoy the company.
On January 21st we have a speaker from Borders Water Rescue. New members are always welcome, please contact Helen on 07780925076 for further information.
All Year-Round Resolutions :
Can
you make achieving your wildest dreams possible by setting goals throughout the year?
New Year’s Eve is the one day a year when people from all over the world set resolutions, something they want to achieve in the year to come. But, let’s be honest, how many people actually achieve all of their resolutions every year? Instead, setting reasonable-sized goals each month can give your longterm resolutions more potential to become a reality.
Goal Setting
Goals can be defined as ideas for the future or the first steps towards desired results. New Year’s Resolutions are a common way of setting goals and can be a good way to set your priorities straight and gain a sense of purpose in your life. However, they are often massive, and in reality, unachievable. Instead of setting a target for the year in general, breaking down resolutions into smaller, monthly goals as a success stepping stone can help you maintain your original motivation and focus all year round. This way, it is more likely for the habit of your resolution to stick in your schedule and make you feel more fulfilled and determined to complete more and more of your goals as time goes on.
Goals can range from simple, instantly achievable goals to larger goals that might take all month to achieve. Setting goals you can complete every morning, like reading for ten minutes or making your bed, can set your day off to a productive start and motivate you for the rest of the day. Even making a to-do list is a form of goal setting by thinking through your day and setting tasks to complete. Crossing off the list leaves you feeling satisfied and proud.
At the start of each month in 2025, reevaluate your goals and take a moment to feel proud about your achievements. Then, set a couple more to replace them and start achieving all over again.
Process Goals
Types of Goal Setting
Process goals are short-term, specific milestones which take action towards success. For example, studying for 2 hours every night, or watering your plants every day. Both of these are small steps towards a main, end goal like getting an A on an exam or growing the garden you have always wanted. Process goals are easily controllable and entirely down to the individual.
Outcome Goals
New Years Resolutions are mainly outcome goals, which are longterm and based on the success or end point of the goal. For example, earning that promotion or winning a medal in sport. Without process goals, these are very hard to achieve, as they are reliant on other surrounding factors and influences and so are very difficult to control.
To maximise your chances of achieving your resolutions, it’s important to break down vague outcome goals into distinct process goals. In itself, just thinking about the steps you will have to take to succeed can inspire you to get started.
Set ‘SMART’ Goals
The acronym SMART is a handy way to remember the basics of goal setting, and to make sure your goal is possible to achieve. The goals you set should be specific with clear details on how to achieve them. This can make your goals more effective and successful.
Specific
The goals you set should be specific with clear details on how to achieve them. This can make your goals more effective and successful.
Measurable
Setting a deadline, amount or duration makes your goal measurable. This means you should know exactly when you succeed, for example competing a thirty-minute run or working until you have finished your project.
Achievable
Make sure your goal is possible to achieve in the timeframe you set. It’s important to set goals that challenge you slightly but are not unreasonable or impossible to achieve.
Relevant
Set goals that relate to your ambitions or values. This can make them more motivating because they contribute to larger purposes in your life.
Time-Bound
Goals should have a start and end date or a deadline for completion. This means you have a clear timeframe to work on your goals and are more likely to be successful.
So this year, as well as setting New Year resolutions, think about the steps you have to take to achieve them. Maybe next year can be the year where all of your resolutions become a reality…
Grace Conisbee
Borders Wheels - Volunteer Drivers Needed
Borders Wheels (Galashiels District) urgently needs local Volunteer Drivers to help the elderly or people with disabilities get out and about in Galashiels and surrounding areas. It may be that they require transport to clubs/meetings, hospital/healthcare appointments or any other long or short journeys as required. We currently have a fleet of mobility vehicles and cars.
We urgently need Volunteer Drivers in the Galashiels area – you just need a full, clean driving licence and be between 25 and 70 years of age; we provide free Midas/familiarisation training for the vehicles you would be driving. If you have a couple of hours a week/month, and would like to support your local community, please give us a call on 01896 755370 or email gala@borderswheels.org.uk
Galashiels Church of Scotland
Old Parish & St Paul’s building – Scott Crescent TD1 3JU
St John’s building – Hawthorn Road, Langlee TD1 2JZ
Trinity building – High St TD1 1SE
We are a united congregation who want to glorify God and exalt Christ in our worship. The Word of God is faithfully preached and therefore we would like to invite everyone to come and listen to God speaking to us through His Word.
Services are in these church buildings.
5th January - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
12th January - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
19th January – 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
26th January - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St. John’s Church, Langlee Girls' Brigade
1st Galashiels Girls' Brigade Monday evenings St John’s Church halls Langlee. Explorers P1-P3 6-7pm, Juniors P4-P7 6-7pm, Brigaders S1-S6 7-8.30pm
If you would like to find out more, please contact Susan Henderson 07894268445 or email 1stgalagb@gmail.com
Bible Study - House Group meets on Tuesday Morning 10am.
Guild - We welcome anyone wishing to join us for our fortnightly meetings. For any further information please contact Marion Stirling 01896574046.
Coffee Stop - Wednesdays 10am-12md. St John’s small hall. Come in and go as you like. Meet friends and make new ones. Next Coffee Stop 15th January 2025.
Prayer Meeting - Wednesdays at 7pm in St John’s small hall. New people always welcome.
Badminton - Wednesdays 10am-12md Old Parish & St Paul’s large hall.
Choir rehearsals - The Choir have now started rehearsals. We meet in Trinity small hall on Thursday nights 7pm. Anyone interested in singing will be very welcome. No need to read music!
Happy New Year! We are a small, but growing church who are exploring what Jesus meant when he said that he had come that ‘we might have life and have it to the full’. What does that mean for us in the difficult world we live in today?
All are welcome to join us – old and new friends, all ages and stages of life.
Services
Sunday Service 10.30am with singing, a short talk, prayers and Communion.
Healing Service Sun 12th January 6pm - reflective service with the opportunity for healing prayer.
Messy Church Tuesday 28th January 5.30-7pm for primary age children – all welcome.
Contact:
Priest: Revd Dr Lesley Penny Telephone: 01896 572013 (landline).
Email: stpeterschurchgala@gmail.com
Website: www.stpetersgala.co.uk
Bowden & Melrose Parish Church
Minister Rev. Rosemary Frew. 01896 822217 email RFrew@churchofscotland.org.uk
We meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and at 11.00am in Melrose Church. The Melrose service is livestreamed, and you can join us on our church website or Facebook page or watch the recording thereafter www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org
A worship podcast is posted in Facebook, Instagram and our website on Saturday evenings. You can listen on 01896 808551.
Messy Church
Messy Church meets from 3.00-5.00pm on the second Sunday of the month. Our next meeting is on Sunday 12 January 2025. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome.
Open Door
Come along to our weekly Open Door every Thursday, 10.00am-12noon, when Melrose Church Hall is be open for tea, coffee, company and chat. All welcome.
Bowden Community Café
This continues to meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Bowden Village Hall at 11amthe next is on Wednesday 15 January 2025. All are very welcome.
Coffee Morning in aid of Church Special Projects
There will be a coffee morning to raise funds for church Special Projects on Saturday 1 March 2025 from 10 - 12noon in Bowden Village Hall. Any help and donations gratefully received.
This Month’s Tricky Sudoko
How to play............
Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.
Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!
Want To Get The Top Price For Selling Your Home?
Springtime has traditionally been a high point in the housing market when many new homes are listed. Selling a home can be exciting yet daunting, especially in a competitive property market like here. So if you are considering selling your home in the coming months here are a few practical things that might be worth doing before putting it on the market. Your home is your biggest asset - so let’s get you the best price for it and hopefully a quicker sale.
First Impressions Matter:Kerb Appeal
The Borders are picturesque and historic which sets a high bar for beauty. Ensure your property’s exterior matches the charm of its surroundings. You want your house to look the best on the street so:
Clean and Repair: Start by power-washing driveways and paths, cleaning windows, and repairing any visible damage, such as cracked steps or broken fences.
Gardening: A well-maintained garden adds instant appeal. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and plant seasonal flowers to create a welcoming vibe. Even in winter a tub by the front door with daffodils and tulips makes people want to enter.
Front Door Makeover: A fresh coat of paint in a bold yet tasteful colour can make your front door stand out. Consider traditional hues like forest green or navy blue, which complement Scotland’s natural tones or Dark Grey is still a popular trend. Weathershield / Deluxe exterior paint can be bought for under £50.
Declutter and Depersonalise
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, which can be challenging if personal belongings dominate the space.
Decluttering: Donate or store items you no longer need. Keep surfaces clear and remove
bulky furniture to make rooms appear larger. Remember you might not want it in your new home - so why have it here now?
Depersonalising: Minimise family photos, unique artwork, and personal keepsakes. A neutral setting helps potential buyers imagine their belongings in the space.
Neutral Decor
While a home should feel welcoming, overly bold or niche decorating choices may not appeal to everyone. If you can paint Walls Neutral Shades like white, beige, or soft grey create a blank canvas and make spaces feel larger and brighter. A previous trend for statement walls including large motif wallpaper is no longer on trend - paint over it!
Update Flooring: Replacing old carpets or refinishing wooden floors can transform a room. Expensive but has to be done if your carpets are threadbare.
Focus on Energy Efficiency:
With Scotland’s focus on sustainable living, energy efficiency is a top priority for many buyers.
Upgrade Insulation: Ensure your loft and walls are properly insulated to reduce heating costs— an attractive feature for any buyer.
Double-Glazed Windows: If your property doesn’t already have double-glazing, consider installing it. It’s an investment that pays off by boosting energy ratings and comfort. Or get a quote for it - to show buyers.
Smart Heating Systems: Consider installing a smart thermostat like Hive or Nest, allowing buyers to control heating remotely- once you have HIVE you can’t imagine not having it! Around £250 -so not the cheapest option but could be worth it.
Maximise Natural Light
Our long winter nights mean buyers value bright, well-lit homes. Clean Windows and Mirrors: Sparkling clean windows allow maximum light to flood in. Strategically placed mirrors can amplify natural light and make rooms appear larger.
Lighting Fixtures: Modernise outdated lighting fixtures and use LED bulbs for a warm, energyefficient glow. Remember you can take new lamps with you!
Stage Key Rooms
Certain rooms carry more weight in a buyer’s decision, especially the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.
Kitchen: Replace old cabinet handles and try and invest in new appliances if possible. A clean, functional kitchen is often a deal-maker. If your oven looks truly awful consider replacing it - it might be £300 but an old cooker could be enough to put off a buyer. Buy new tea towels, fresh fruit on the table or flowers if you are strapped for cash. Weirdly kitchens with different coloured units top and bottom were believed to be more expensive to install and buyers valued them higher.
Bathroom: Replace stained grout, install a new shower head, and add luxurious touches like fluffy towels or scented candles. Keep ceilings white and flooring bright.
Embrace your Homes Character
If your property has period features like original fireplaces, bay windows, or exposed stone walls—highlight them or restore them in the time possible. These characteristics are often sought-after and can make your home stand out. Try and blend the Modern and Traditional.
Buyers often love the combination of historic charm with modern functionality - so focus on those details. Use lamps or spotlights to highlight cornicing or a fireplace.
Home Report
It’s mandatory to provide a Home Report to potential buyers. Ensure your report reflects positively by addressing any areas of concern beforehand. If you can fix Structural Issues: Tackle damp, roof damage, or plumbing problems before listing your house. If there isn’t time to get the repairs done ahead of time, then obtain quotes. These may be less scary than a buyer thinks.
Competitive Pricing
While aesthetic and structural improvements are vital, setting the right price is equally important. Work with an experienced local estate agent who understands the local market and can provide a realistic valuation. Forecasts for 2025 suggest that the market will not be as hot as the last couple of years - so getting your price right at the start will be key!
Final Thoughts
Improving the saleability of your home doesn’t necessarily require massive investment. Small, thoughtful upgrades that enhance your property’s appeal can make all the difference. Ask a friend to view your home as a potential buyer. Ask them what they like and what they don’t. Please don’t fall out, though!
By presenting your home as well-maintained, energy-efficient, and welcoming, you can attract the right buyers and secure the best possible sale. Whether you’re selling a traditional stone cottage or a modern flat, the principles remain the same: make it beautiful, practical, and ready for its next chapter.
Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady & St Andrew
Galashiels - Our Lady & St Andrew’s, Stirling Street, TD1 1BY
Melrose: - St Cuthbert’s, High Cross Avenue, TD6 9SQ
Holy Mass: Sunday 9.15am, Thursday 10am.
Selkirk – Our Lady & St Joseph’s, High Street, TD7 4JX
Holy Mass: Saturday (Vigil) 6pm, Monday 10am.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary, 30 minutes before every weekday Mass except Saturday.
Brothers and sisters, we are invited to ‘Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for His love endures forever’ (Psalm 136:1), and so it is right and fitting to thank God as we move into 2025. For some the past year had brought them good and for others it was a year they never wish to see again. The world continues to watch with sadness the turbulence of wars especially in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan; floods in Valencia and Nigeria; and hurricanes and other humanitarian disasters, which left us bewildered as to where the world was going.
We should all decide to seek out ways to support peace in the world; firstly by accepting to live in peace with all, no matter our differences; pray for peace in areas of war; and support those who lost their homes by floods, earthquakes, insurgency, hurricanes etc. Our faith and compassion will help us through these trying times.
Our Churches in Galashiels, Melrose and Selkirk welcome all who wish to worship with us and we will always support our local communities as the Church continues to have an important role to play to help our communities.
I pray that you, your family and loved ones may discover the hope that the Lord of Life and Prince of Peace brings. May God bless you and I wish you all a very happy New Year.
Father Benedict Iwatt
Galashiels Baptist Church
Gala Baptist Church is a community of Christians committed to loving God, each other and our local community. We are for ‘All of Life’.
If you have never been to church before or are looking to explore Christianity further, we would love to get to know you and journey with you.
These are the activities going on each week as we start a new year:
Sundays
10:30 am (weekly) – Sunday Service.
A mix of worship music, prayer, and teaching with creche and Sunday Club for children.
Tuesdays
2:00-4:00 pm (weekly) – Tuesday Tea Club. An afternoon tea including home-made cakes as well as fellowship and conversation.
7:30-8:30 pm (weekly) – Evening Prayer Meeting A time to pray together on Zoom.
Wednesdays
11:00 am (fortnightly) Ladies’ Prayer Meeting. A time of informal fellowship and prayer in the
Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory
Bluesky
Bluesky is an alternative to X (Twitter). It’s not new as it's been around since 2021. You’ve probably just never heard of it.
It is however taking the (western) world by storm just now, thanks to the election of Trump and his association with Elon Musk, the owner of X, as people look to move away from them. It certainly is catching on, with over a million new users every day.
Bluesky functions in much the same way as X, but it has some unique, exclusive features such as starter packs, domain-based user names, custom algorithmic feeds and community-driven moderation lists that let you block or mute accounts en masse. It does have a safer feel than X, which lives up to its name and is pretty X-Rated with a reluctance (apparently) to act quickly on complaints.
Anyone over the age of 13 can join Bluesky (as long as it's legal in your country). To sign up, visit the www.bsky.app from a browser or install the app on your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
To create an account, just hit the "Sign up" button on the website or the "Create account" button in the app. First up, you will need to select your "hosting provider" (Bluesky Social is the only option currently available) and provide your email address, password and birthdate.
Next you'll need to pick your Bluesky account name (handle), which must be at least three characters and use only letters, numbers and hyphens. If you have your own website, you can use your domain as your handle. Unfortunately, Bluesky won't tell you that your chosen handle is already taken until you hit the "Next" button.
Once you've got your account name, you need to complete a captcha to prove you're human and then you'll be given the option of uploading a profile photo or creating an avatar from one of 20 emojis, plus one of six colours as the background.
Next, you can select topics of interest from a set of 22 subjects including Art, Movies, Sports
or Tech, which will help inform your "Discover" feed.
The whole process only takes a few minutes and you are then free to explore the skies of blue as you choose.
When you start using Bluesky, your main "Following" feed will consist only of the official Bluesky account, and your "Discover" feed (similar to the "For You" feed on X) will consist of posts related to any of the interests you selected during the setup process.
There are countless methods for finding good accounts to follow on Bluesky. You can scroll through your Discover feed to see if any of the accounts are posting content that you enjoy, then follow them directly. Scan the top 500 most popular Bluesky accounts to see if any fit your bill, or search directly for specific people like friends or celebrities on the service.
Once you've decided who to follow, see if any of them provide Bluesky starter packs. These are a unique feature to Bluesky and can include recommended accounts and custom feeds to follow. You can follow those accounts one by one or, if the whole group looks good to you, click the "Follow all" button to add them all to your "Following" feed.
If a favourite account doesn't offer a starter pack, you can just take a look at the accounts they are following and follow the ones you like from that list.
Custom feeds are one of the coolest features
of Bluesky, and there are currently more than 50,000 of them live on the service. Consider custom feeds like social media algorithms of your own choosing or design - instead of X's black-box algorithm, you'll know exactly why you're seeing the posts you're seeing.
Subscribe to the Popular With Friends feed, which will show you favourite content from the accounts you follow. My Bangers will display your most popular posts sorted by number of likes. You can follow affinity group feeds as well, such as Blacksky or BookSky.
On Bluesky, you can block and mute accounts just like on X, but the full moderation features are far more robust. The most obvious difference being the blocking feature, which on Bluesky is often called the "nuclear block."
On X, blocking an account no longer prevents it from seeing your posts, and if that account added you to a list for harassment purposes, you'll remain on it. On Bluesky, blocking an account not only prevents it from viewing your profile or posts, but also removes any and all interactions that account previously had with you and automatically removes you from any of its lists. You won't be searchable at all to the blocked account.
The mute features on Bluesky also add a bit more. You can mute accounts and specific words, just like on X, but you can also mute entire hashtags.
Bluesky users can report any post or any account for violating the site's terms of service or community guidelines. Bluesky claims that every report will be reviewed by the site's Trust
and Safety team.
A unique feature to Bluesky is ‘curated moderation’ lists which can be shared with other accounts. Bluesky users can review these lists to decide which accounts to block one by one, or can mute or block entire lists of accounts with a single click.
Bluesky's moderation settings are set to exclude adult content by default, which can be changed by sliding the setting from Disabled to Enabled. You can also decide whether you want Bluesky to Show, Warn or Hide specific types of media: explicit sexual content, sexually suggestive content, disturbing graphic content and nudity.
Once accustomed, you can start postingpictures of your dogs, all about your hobbies, or whatever matters to you right now. You will always have something interesting to share.
Open the new post window, you will need to decide your interaction settings, which by default, are set to "Anybody can interact" but you can restrict replies to followed users or mentioned users, or allow no one to reply at all. You can also decide whether or not you want other accounts to "quote post" you, or repost your content with added commentary. You can also remove quoted posts.
Livening up Bluesky posts are still a little limited. You get a 300-character limit for each post and can add up to four photos in each one, or one video up to 50MB. Once you add a photo or video to a Bluesky spot, you'll have the option of adding a label for adult or sensitive materials.
Bluesky does support animated GIFs, but only through an integrated use of the service Giphy. If you want to post your own homemade GIFs, you will have to wait.
Once you've composed and are ready to share with the rest of the Bluesky community, or to whoever your privacy settings allow, just click the blue "Post" button in the top-right corner of the web or mobile app, and swooshyou're online with the fastest upcoming social network.
church lounge.
2:00-4:00 pm (weekly) Arts & Crafts Group. Bring along your painting, knitting, card making etc. and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and creativity with refreshments.
Thursdays
10:00-11:15 am (weekly) – Parents, Carers & Toddlers Group. A group for those looking after children aged 0-3 years with toys and refreshments.
Go to our website for the most up to date information: www.galashielsbaptistchurch.org.uk
We’d love to welcome you at our building on Victoria Street and get to know you.
Happy New Year!
Galashiels Free Church
On a shelf on our bookcase stood a framed picture of an ultrasound scan. We were having a baby. What would they be like? Would they be a boy or a girl? What colour will their hair be? Their eyes? All guesses would be equally valid. That is, until the baby was born. Then we knew our baby was our daughter with hair like her father and eyes like her mother.
In many ways, this is a bit like how we can approach God. All of our guesses of who God is and what he is like are equally valid. We simply do not know, unless he has revealed himself. This is the claim that burst into the world in the 1st century, that God has come and has walked amongst us; that we know who God is and what he is like. This is the claim of the eyewitness statements and personal confessions from the time. People who spoke with him, shared life with him, ate with him, travelled with him and heard him say and do incredible things.
The gospel of John is one of the eye witness accounts of Jesus’ life. John’s aim in writing this account is to give the evidence that Jesus is God so that by believing in this evidence we can have life. Join us on Sunday mornings at 10am at the Focus Centre as we read about God bursting onto the scene. Come see for yourself if the claims are true. Come and meet Jesus.
Caddonfoot Parish Church
It's the new year and Christmas has been consigned to history.
At Caddonfoot Parish Church, especially decorated for the festive season, services were held to mark Christ's birth in traditional style.
While there was no Christmas Day service, the Watchnight celebration heralded the 25th and it was preceded by the Nativity service and the popular Christmas hymns.
Locum minister, the Rev. June Johnston, led worship as well as taking services at St Mary of Wedale, Stow and Heriot.
Members of the congregation lead services in the absence of the minister as well as reading the Bible each Sunday.
Despite major works on the road, with no parking on the roadside on one Sunday, members were able to attend by parking behind the Church and on nearby ground
The Kirk Session has discussed the Local Church Review report.
Meanwhile, worshippers are preparing for 2025 and a Happy New Year to all our readers.
UStor Business units, Unit 8/1 Spylaw Road, Kelso TD5 8DN
Porch Pirates Are On The Rise
What should you do if your parcel is stolen?
We are not always home for a delivery, and as more and more people now shop online, parcel theft is becoming increasingly common, with new data showing more than £370 million worth of parcels were stolen from doorsteps across the UK in the last year.
In fact, more than three million homes had at least one parcel stolen in the past 12 months, with the average value of stolen goods increased by 52%rising from £66.50 in 2023 to £102 this year. However, only one in 333 thefts are reported to the police.
So what should you do if your parcel is stolen?
Contact the seller
You are protected by consumer law. The seller is responsible for making sure your parcel is delivered, so, if you think your parcel has been stolen, you should contact the person or company that sent it.
The retailer should then offer you a refund or replacement if the parcel is stolen, missing or damaged.
If a courier was used to deliver the item, you should also contact them to find out what's happened to the parcel, it may just have been left at the wrong address and will possibly have a photo of the location. It is their responsibility to retrieve it for you, although you will often see pictures posted on local Facebook pages of delivery locations and this may help retrieve it.
What if your parcel was stolen from a 'safe place'?
If you have opted in to have your parcel delivered to a ‘safe place’ like your shed or ‘at the back door’ and it was stolen, then it is your responsibility. However, if the courier did leave
the parcel in a place you didn't agree to, and it was stolen, the responsibility lies with the retailer.
Speak to your credit card provider
If you used your credit card to buy something and it was stolen, your credit card provider may be able to help get you your money back. Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, the credit card provider has equal liability if something goes wrong with your purchase. However, the purchase has to be more than £100 and under £30,000.
Check with your card provider to see if they can help refund the money.
If you paid through PayPal, you can also contact them for help - as long as the purchase was within the last six months.
Contact the police
If you think your parcel has been stolen, you should report it to the police or call 101. It would be helpful if you had doorbell footage or CCTV when filing the police report. Without any evidence, it will be difficult for the police to investigate unless there is a spate of local thefts and some have been captured on camera or witnessed. The thief may eventually be caught, but it’s very unlikely that your parcel will be recovered. In any case, contact the retailer.
What steps can you take to prevent parcels from being stolen?
• Track your parcel so someone can be home for the delivery.
• Install a video doorbell.
• Install a security light.
• Arrange for parcels to be delivered to a trusted neighbour.
• Use an off-site locker service or pick-up service in busy locations, for example, a supermarket. Many retailers offer this service.
Get Fit for New Year
New year is known for making resolutions and one of the popular ones is to get fit. Christmas is not only a time when we can put on weight, but also our pets! At Border Vets, we offer Weight Management Clinics with our Registered Veterinary Nurses which are free of charge on our Pet Health Plan. During these consultations, our nurses will assess your pet’s body condition and score them from 1-9 (1 being very underweight and 9 being obese). The ideal score for your pet is a 4 or a 5. By scoring your pet’s body condition, nurses can work out their ideal weight and plan their calorie intake based on this.
They will also take measurements of your pet’s neck, chest and waist to help monitor their weight loss journey. Just like with humans, weight loss in pets is a marathon, not a sprint, and can take a few months to get your pet to their ideal weight safely. For this reason, we often like to see them every 2 weeks to begin with. This is to make sure the new amount of food or new diet they are on agrees with them and that they are not losing weight too quickly. Your initial appointment with our Registered Veterinary Nurse is normally about 30 minutes. This gives you time to discuss what food, treats and exercise your pet gets every day to help the nurse work out the weight management plan.
Once the appointment is complete, the nurse will take the time to work out how many calories they are receiving. From this, they can advise whether it is best to reduce the amount of food they are getting on their current diet or change them onto a calorie-controlled diet. Once they have completed the plan, this will be emailed to you so you can see how much food they have been receiving and what their new diet includes. Our nurses are here to help with your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, so if you think your pet could do with some help with their weight this New Year, please get in touch with us.
Our Pet Health Plan is the simple and convenient way to look after your pet's health. Our easy and convenient monthly direct debits save you money too.
Dogs, Cats and Rabbits
Your Pet Health Plan includes:
Essential annual vaccination with a full health check
Flea treatments* (sufficient for a year) dispensed quarterly
Worm treatments (sufficient for a year) dispensed quarterly
6 monthly health check with your vet
You'll also receive the following (if applicable):
25% off Kennel Cough vaccination
25% off Rabies vaccination
25% off flystrike preventative treatment
50% off Primary vaccination course (initial injections typically given between 2 and 4 weeks apart)
1. Heat the oil in a large high-sided frying pan over a medium heat. Squeeze the sausages straight from their skins into the pan, then use the back of a wooden spoon to break the meat up. Sprinkle in the chilli flakes and fennel seeds, if using, then fry until the sausagemeat is crisp around the edges. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon.
2. Tip the gnocchi into the pan, fry for a minute or so, then pour in the chicken stock. Once bubbling, cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3 mins, then stir in the kale. Cook for 2 mins more or until the gnocchi is tender and the kale has wilted. Stir in the parmesan, then season with black pepper and scatter the crisp sausagemeat over the top.
3. Great with crusty bread.
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GALA LIFE
• Gala Life - The Border’s favourite magazine has been running 16 years. A lot of our advertisers stay with us - because it works and continuously generates lots of business.
• Price - Gala Life is the most cost effective way to reach all the residents and businesses in the Galashiels, Melrose and surrounding areas.
• It is truly local - all advertisers operate in, or close to the area.
• Longevity - It isn’t thrown away like the local newspaper. Everyone keeps it as a point of reference from one month to the next.
• Gala Life is published monthly - around the last weekend of the month.
• It is delivered to over 11,500 homes and businesses every month, with up to an additional 500 made readily available for visitors and tourists to pick up.
Advertising Rates - In Full Colour Hi-Definition (+VAT)
We offer a generous discounts for repeat adverts in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 issues. Please call to discuss the options available.
February Edition 11th January
March Edition 11th February
April Edition 11th March
May Edition 11th April
June Edition 11th May
July Edition 11th June To advertise in Gala Life, to discuss your requirements, or for more information - please contact Debbie on
How to play............
Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.
Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!
THE CONFIDENCE TO SMILE AGAIN IN A FEW HOURS.
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With over 17+ years’ experience in Dental Implants, we can help you get rid of your denture or replace your teeth all in a Day! Using the new revolutionary implants system CHROME GuidedSMILE, we can provide you with Teeth-In-A-Day in a predictable, precise, and comfortable way.
HOW IT WORKS?
• Digital Planning. Using 3D imaging & digital scanning, we capture highly detailed images of your mouth to customise the treatment to precisely fit your new teeth. You get to see a simulation of what your new smile will look like once the treatment is complete.
• Get your new smile. Using the Chrome surgical guide, we fit temporary fixed natural looking and functioning teeth on the day, so you have your new smile on the day!
Transform your life in ONE DAY!
CHRIS BARROWMAN
DOMESTIC ABUSE IS A CRIME
If you are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse or are being intimidated or threatened by a current or previous partner, you are being subjected to domestic abuse. You may be feeling frightened, isolated and ashamed. You are not to blame for what is happening to you, it is NOT your fault. Above all, you are not alone and you don’t need to suffer in silence. Help is available to you.
If the incident requires immediate attention please contact your local police station. In an emergency always call 999 (if the incident is ongoing or life is in danger)
If you have been the victim or witness to domestic abuse, or have concerns regarding a victim of domestic abuse there are several ways you can report this to the police:
At your local police station. If the incident is urgent, this is the best way to report it. If someone is in immediate danger always phone 999.
Use an online domestic abuse form. If you are unable to go to your local office (or prefer to remain anonymous) you can submit the form directly to the police.
If you suspect some else is suffering domestic abuse, you can report it anonymously and in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
For more information or to seek help, call the Safer Scotland Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234 or visit www.saferscotland.co.uk www.scotland.police.uk
HOROSCOPES
BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN
For January 2025
Happy New Year and all good wishes for personal happiness and success during 2025.
2025 will be a year of transformation, guided by major planetary shifts such as Saturn, Uranus and Neptune transitions into new signs, as well as Jupiter's return to the sign of Cancer. This doesn’t look like an easy ride, particularly as the first half of 2025 will be marked by struggles, instability and crises, both economically and politically. The conflict signifies a battle between the old and the new; the old system has run its course and must now give way to the new. Fortunately, other cosmic indicators show the potential for optimism and enthusiasm for a new way of living; these planetary cycles remind us of how important it is to be patient, stay true to ourselves and trust our inner wisdom. Mars, the planet of action and motivation, retrogrades from Leo into Cancer on the 6th, indicating that tempers, passions and energy levels will be on an emotional roller coaster. Fortunately, love planet Venus arrives in mystical Pisces on the 3rd assisting us all to connect with our intuitive guidance and be more aware of our actions. Change and opportunity are the themes of the first full moon of the year, arriving in the sign of Cancer on the 13th. The first new moon of 2025 falls in individualistic Aquarius on the 29th, signifying that the time is right for following and honouring your intentions for new beginnings.
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
Abundant Jupiter illuminates your communication skills, urging you take risks and be the best that you can be. Both your ambition and your career are in the spotlight as the radiant Sun in Capricorn shines brightly at the highpoint of your chart. Mercury arrives in Capricorn on the 8th, suggesting that some interesting opportunities are coming your way. The Cancer full moon on the 13th brings up a domestic issue that will need sorting out before the end of the month.
TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21
Venus, your ruling planet, arrives in mystical Pisces on the 3rd inspiring you to make some consolidated effort to review your spiritual goals. Taurus is a fixed sign, try not to get stuck in a rut as a more intuitive approach is now necessary. Use your uncanny knack for spotting new opportunities to help you get ahead. Venus meets responsible Saturn on the 19th, offering a great opportunity for a change of heart.
GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21
Mighty Jupiter, although still retrograde in your sign, is offering a new perspective on your life. Take this opportunity to lay the groundwork for some grand and far reaching plans in 2025. The radiant Sun, joined by business minded Mercury on the 8th are illuminating the finance and resource sector of your chart. Some important decisions will very likely have to be made this month, fortunately your ruler, in practical Capricorn is well placed.
CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22
Transformation Pluto is the highest and most powerful planet in your chart this month, 2025 looks like it will be an extremely important year for you, particularly in financial areas of your life. Embrace change as your ideas can now take off as you put your point of view across where it is most needed. An important relationship could also help you to capitalise on your talents and push you forward, the full moon in your sign on the 13th looks auspicious.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23
Your health and wellbeing are high on your agenda this month as the Sun, joined by Mercury illuminate this sector of your chart. Current trends urge you to take stock and put more energy into a good life balance. Venus arriving in Pisces on the 3rd offers enhanced intuition and the pivotal new moon in your opposite sign on the 29th suggests a challenge, but also helps you to reach a new understanding by following your heart.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22
The Capricorn Sun shines brightly in the love and romance sector of your chart this month, suggesting that you’ll be taking a closer look at more serous relationships. Joined by communication planet Mercury after the 8th when asking for what you want should be easier. The Cancerian full moon on the 13th encourages challenge and change, your keen intuition should serve you well as this might be the right time to bring your plans to a head.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23
Your home and family are important themes for this month as the Capricorn Sun, later joined by Mercury are strongly positioned to ensure that you can afford to be more decisive and put some faith into your innovative ideas. Venus arrives in mystical Pisces on the 3rd firing up your intuitive side and preparing for the exciting Aquarian new moon on the 29th, both suggests the start of an exciting new friendship or romance.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
All forms of communication are in the spotlight this month as the practical Capricorn Sun illuminates the way you come across to others, both privately and in business. As professional minded Mercury changes sign on the 8th, you’ll be guided to examine some alternatives in order to help you reach a more secure career position. The Cancerian full moon on the 13th offers an interesting opportunity, very possibly connecting with overseas.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
This is the month to maximise your potential and put your powers of judgement to the test. Transformational Pluto in innovative Aquarius, indicates that your style of communication is ready for a radical overhaul. With the Sun in responsible Capricorn you should see the culmination of an ambitious project. Expansive Jupiter is in your opposite sign, challenging you to be courageous and to be prepared for some interesting encounters.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
It’s your birthday month and it’s the start of an exciting new year, packed with challenge, change and opportunity. Venus arrives in your communication sector on the 3rd indicating that financial prospects might be on the rise and your ability to attract the good things in life is enhanced by a well aspected Jupiter. Opportunities could come out of nowhere as you are able to turn ideas into reality. The full moon on the 13th in your opposite sign, suggests an exciting meeting.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18
Transformational Pluto in your sign opposite confrontational Mars in Leo indicates two very powerful forces clashing and you may even have felt this tension building for a while. As 2025 unfolds you’ll feel ready to leave what’s stagnant and heavy behind and shift your awareness toward developing more spiritual growth. Promising new developments could arise in social matters and your charitable instincts may come to the fore.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
Friends and social life will become more important to you during January, particularly after the 8th when Communication planet Mercury moves into Capricorn. The love planet Venus arrives in your sign on the 3rd, be prepared as the cosmos is indicating that it’s time to make way for a new romance, or the rekindling of an old one! The Cancerian full moon on the 13th looks particularly promising for exciting encounters.
Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences.
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, discover your unique birth map and take a refreshing new look at what’s coming up for you in the year ahead. Be more positive and plan with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness as you tune into your highest potential and be alerted to when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Consultations are available on Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp or telephone.
Please contact me for more information.
Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach
